LA GRANDE — State and local authorities reported Union County is seeing an increase in flu activity. The Center for Human Development and Grande Ronde Hospital, both in La Grande, are urging people to get the latest flu vaccine to help prevent the spread of the illness. 

According to the data in the Flu Bites report from the Oregon Health Authority, there has been a steady increase over the last several weeks of emergency room and urgent care visits regarding the flu. Eastern Oregon has the highest percentage of all of the region’s at nearly 7% of visits being flu-related.

Elizabeth Sieders is the immunization coordinator and communicable disease nurse at the Center for Human Development. She reported Amy Miles, the infection prevention nurse at Grande Ronde Hospital, alerted the center about the increase in flu cases. Sieders said the virus, for example, caused students to miss school in the Imbler School District, and anecdotal reports in other districts have indicated similar situations across Union County. 

“It’s important that people do not take chances, and protect themselves and their loved ones by not only getting vaccinated but reducing transmission by staying home and good hand hygiene,” Sieders said. 

Sieders in a news release from the center also reported it is not too late for anyone to get the flu vaccine, and children older than 6 months, adults over 65, pregnant women and people with a weak immune systems or a chronic medical condition should not wait.

“For these groups,” according to Sieders, “flu can cause severe illness and even death.”

Grande Ronde Hospital has not implemented visitor restrictions due the illness, but Miles stated the hospital is tracking new cases daily and may restrict visitors should the number of cases continue to escalate.

To receive the flu vaccine, contact your primary care provider, your local pharmacy or the Center for Human Development at 541-962-8800. The center also can provide information on reduced cost or free vaccinations.